Dear Parish Family & Friends

Sainte Francoise was the patron saint of the first person of color whose name is known in the Detroit historical record.  Francoise and three of her siblings were the children of an enslaved couple who lived along the Detroit River in the 1730’s.  Before there were any English, Irish,  German  or  Polish  Detroiters,  Black  families  were  building  up  the   community  of  the  Detroit settlement.

Our street fair is named in her honor as we celebrate the French speaking Detroit Black heritage of the 18ᵗʰ through 21ˢᵗ centuries.  From the first family (Eastside!) to the families who moved up from the Gulf States in the Great Migration to the latest families who moved to Detroit from Cameroun, Burundi,   Coted/Ivoire   and   Congo,   our   local   community   has   been   enriched  with   the   unique contributions of generations of French speaking people of African descent.

Through a blend of music, food, arts, and crafts, as well as community health offerings, we hope to introduce many people to the part of the rich heritage that is part of the Detroit community.

Come on by! From 9:30 until 11:30 am, on Saturdays, July 3ʳᵈ, August 7ᵗʰ, September 4ᵗʰ, and October 2ⁿᵈ. The historic church, with paintings by Detroit artists Anita Bates and Gil Ashby, will be open for prayer and tours.  Come, light a candle, and pray.  Stroll through and admire the Renaissance Revival architecture, the Willet Studios stained glass windows, the imported marble of this house of the Lord.

God Bless,

Father Dan

First Saturdays Flyer